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985 


rpE's  Melody 


MARY  A.   ROSE 


IvIBRARY 

OF  THE 

University  op  California 


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LIFE'S  Melody 


.AND... 


The  Celestial  Hymn 


...BY... 


MARY    A.    ROSE 


SAN   FRANCISCO 
PRESS  OF  R    R.  PATTERSON 

429    Montgomery   Street 


/     .Copyright  1904 
BY  MARY  A.  ROSE 


9BS 


RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED  TO 

WILL    HAUSER 


128540 


PART   I. 

Life's  Melody 


/ 


LIFE'S  MELODY. 
Were  Life  one  sweet  fulfillment 
Of  each  and  every  hope 
That  awaketh  in  the  soul 
Of  mortal  man  .   .   . 
Happiness  could  sit  and  chant 
A  lovely  melody, 
And  all  the  listening  world 
Would  be  in  tune. 


HOPE. 
Oh  wandering  Soul  who  doth  awake 
To  morn  of  bitter  disappointment, 
Sink  not  down  to  deep  despair  ! 
But  battle  well  with  Reason 

And  win  from  her One  hope 

To  wear  upon  your  soul 
Forevermore  ! 


TO  THEE. 

A  little  wish  within  my  heart 
Is  longing  with  wild  expectation, 

And  could  one  glance  or  word  impart, 
It  would  to  thee  make  its  expression. 

Its  tender  thought  is  simply  this — 
That  I  might  whisper  how  I  love  you, 

And  you  would  answer  kiss  for  kiss, 
Then  sweetly  echo — Love,  I  love  you. 


YE  BLADES  OF  GRASS  ! 
There  is  a  blade  -  a  tender  blade, 

Of  delicate  and  living  green  : 
Whose  hidden  beauty  God  hath  made, 

For  all  her  virtues  are  unseen. 

No  royal  flower  of  fairest  hue, 
Most  proudly  garlanded  together, 

Nor  fragrant  rose,  nor  violet  blue. 
Could  lessen  that  small  simple  treasure. 


IF  YOU  WERE  MINE  ! 
If  you  were  mine  ! 
Sweet,  sweet  would  be  each  day, 
As  in  the  springtime  of  fair  May — 
When  every  flower  doth  ope  to  bloom. 
And  birdlings  sing  their  most  exquisite  tune. 

If  you  were  mine  ! 

I'd  hie  thee  to  the  urn  of  joy, 

To  drink  of  Happiness  without  alloy — 

Until  transfigured  your  world  would  seem, 

A  Paradise  or  heavenly  dream. 


THE  ROSE. 
The  most  royal  flower  that  grows 

In  the  garden  of  the  world, 
Is  the  blushing  fragrant  rose 

When  her  leaves  are  all  unfurkd. 


She  has  titles  befitting  a  queen, 

And  robes  of  every  hue, 
Her  palace  is  velvet  leaves  of  green, 

And  her  jewels  are  God's  own  dew. 

Her  glance  is  a  sweet  caress, 

Her  heart  holds  one  thought  dear  . 

That  beauty  was  made  to  bless. 
For  Life's  not  all  it  seemeth  here  ! 


THB  NIGHTINGALE. 
It  was  twilight.... and  overhead 
Earth's  tent  was  one  deep  wave  of  blue. 
Save  where  a  twinkling  star  or  two 
Peeped  through  a  silken  thread 

With  a  rainbow  of  colors  the  golden  sun, 
Bade  good-night  to  the  earth  and  the  sky  : 
Then  lingered  a  little,  lest  Day  should  sigh 
That  too  soon  did  he  seek  the  horizon- 
Down  in  the  meadow  where  the  clovers  grew, 
A  little  brook  sparkled  among  the  green. 
Shadowing  their  forms  in  her  silver  sheen  : 
And  the  idle  zephyrs  played  there  too. 

On  a  blossoming  bough  of  an  apple  tree, 
Perched  a  feathered  songster,,  when  Lo  ! 
He  caroled  an  exquisite  evening  solo. 
That  ended  in  a  cadenza  of  melody. 


What  illumined  his  being  with  such  ecstasy  ? 
Did  Nature's  smile  make  his  soul  in  tune, 
Or  her  velvet  robe  so  bedecked  with  bloom, 
Overflood  him  with  rapturous  immensity  ? 

For  the  sweetest  song  ray  ear  ever  heard. 
Was  only  sung  to  the  fields  and  grass, 
Or  the  wanderer  who  might  chance  to  pass  : 
And  was  warbled  by  a  plain  brown  bird. 


*'YOU." 

I  love  you  sweet,  with  all  my  might, 
For  you  are  dear  to  me  as  right  ! 

You  are  my  sun  that  shines  more  bright. 
Than  every  other  sphere  of  light  ! 


WITHIN  MY  HEART. 
A  strange  sweet  song,  with  passionate  upstart, 
Awakened  into  life  within  my  heart  : 
Its  melody  poured  forth  and  ceased  to  care. 
That  it  had  played  the  deep  chords  hidden  there. 

I  tried  to  hush  those  chords  to  softer  strain. 
Lest  all  the  world  might  hear  their  sweet  refrain, 
But  on  it  sang  in  most  exquisite  theme, 
Until  I  bowed  my  head  in  rapturous  dream. 

Then  soaring  from  my  heart  on  sound  away, 
It  winged  into  another  heart  to  stay, 
And  there  awoke  an  echoing  harmony. 
Adding  to  Love — one  more  dear  memory. 

lO 


THE  WAY  TO  PEACE. 

Take  Joy  home  with  you, 

And  mould  your  life 

Into  her  sweetest  note  ! 

Perfecting  its  tone  so  faithfully  true, 

That  the  sound  will  denote 

The  key  to  her  sublimest  tune. 

Take  pure  Content  as  your  companion  dear  ! 
And  wear  her  on  your  soul  .   .    . 

an  immortal  flower. 
Through  every  vale  or  homely  atmosphere, 
Through  every  glad  or  saddened  hour. 

Take  Hope  as  your  guiding  star. 

And  let  her  steadfast  light  be  as  the  blue  of 

heaven; 
That  no  dull  cloud  can  ever  change  or  mar, 
That  smiles  serene  through  all  time  and  season. 

Take  Love  to  be  your  sun  ... 
And  let  her  rays  of  glory  shine 

deep,  around,  within  ; 
Illumining  life  so  that  an  orison, 
Will  be  the  sweet  influence  from  Sin. 


II 


Violet  !  Violet  ! 
Lift  thy  shy  sweet  face 

With  its  e3'e  of  deep  gold  ! 
Doth  thy  lowly  grace 

A  heavenly  message  hold? 

Violet  !  Violet  ! 
Most  beloved  little  flower, 

Oh  how  fragrant  thy  breath  ! 
The  world,  who  knoweth  thy  power 

Would  mourn  forever  thy  death. 


WAS  IT  A  DREAM? 

Was  it  a  dream  ? 

That  in  my  arms  I  held  you  sweet, 
And  felt  your  tender  heart  beat — beat, 
Against  my  very  own? 

Was  it  a  dream  ? 

That  lip  pressed  lip  in  clinging  kiss. 
Enthralling  in  full  exquisite  bliss, 
Our  very  souls. 

Was  it  a  dream  ? 

Then  Happiness  no  more  begone  ! 
But  let  me  dream  forever  on 
And  wake  no  more  ! 

12 


LIFE'S  MASTERPIECE. 

I  lifted  up  mine  eyes  to  a  broad  plain 

Where  grew  the  golden  eared  wheat — 

Whose  food  to  man  means  life  : 

And  methought — a  heavenly  holier  power, 

Instilled  into  that  bread  its  worth, 

To  gladden  man  and  make  him  think 

Of  loftier  Things. 

I  stood  amidst  a  grove  of  scented  Pine, 

That  stretched  their  branches  o'er 

To  kiss  the  Cedar  and  the  spreading  Oak, 

That  grew  around  about  them  : 

And  dreamily  I  asked  my  soul — 

Did  little  seed  produce  so  great  a  forest 

As  I  now  beheld  ? 

Far  up  on  a  steep  mountain  side, 
Whose  height  seemed  half  hidden 
By  a  blue  and  misty  vapor — 
Some  gentle  sheep  were  grazing 
On  clover — planted  by  Divine  hand  : 
And  this  thought  stirred  within  — 
What  sweeter  meat  could  gods  of  earth 
Ask  for  life's  nourishment? 

Standing  over  a  clear  running  stream, 
I  cupped  up  to  my  lips  its  liquid  sweet. 
Till  thirst  it  quenched  complete  : 

13 


Wonder  filled  my  breast — 

That  such  a  spring  did  satisfy 

A  want,  Nature  demanded. 

I  gazed  upon  a  wizened  space  of  ground 

Whose  blackness  and  course  mars 

Proclaimed  it  valueless  : 

But  when  I  delved  into  its  virtuous  depth 

Lo  !  Ophir,  gold  and  mineral  wept  forth 

To  richen  Earth  with  wealth. 

But  nobler  far  than  each  of  these 

Is  Life's  crowning  masterpiece  - 

Man  in  God's  image  born  : 

An  eternal  soul  in  his  body  incased, 

Makes  him  heir  to  a  heavenly  inheritance 

In  Paradise  forever. 


TO  ME. 

To  me  thou'rt  fairer  than  the  fairest  morn, 

That  blushes  into  day  ! 

Thy  smiles  are  like  sunshine  in  dark  clouds, 

Changing  to  gold  their  gray  ; 

Thy  voice  like  music  steals  into  my  heart, 

Claiming  a  dwelling  there — 

Indeed  !     I  have  no  words  my  song  to  start, 

Thou  art  so  fair  ! 


14 


Thiae  eyes  are  like  the  bluest  flower 

That  grows  upon  a  summer  lea  ; 

Thy  love  will  make  my  life  a  joy  complete, 

A  dream  of  ecstasy  ! 

All  others  may  speak  lightly  of  thy  name, 

I  would  but  love  thee  more  ! 

Ah  yes  !  I  will  love  thee  always  the  same, 

Forevermore  ! 


LUI.I.ABY. 
Softly  too  and  fro,  too  and  fro, 
Off  to  Dream  Isle  baby  must  go  ! 
Droop  little  eyelids — hide  the  light, 
And  deep  in  thy  cradle  nestle  all  night ! 

Croon,  croon,  sweetly  croon. 
Darling,  I  listen  to  my  love-bird's  tune. 
Hushed  is  day — let  slumber  close, 
And  awake  with  thy  sister,  the  rose ! 


DOST    KNOW? 
Dost  know  thou  art  the  instrument 
That  keepeth  my  heart  in  tune. 
That  thy  smiles  are  the  accompaniment. 
To  thy  glance  that  ends  too  soon  ? 
That  thy  spoken  word  my  heart  doth  beat, 
Into  joy  and  measured  time. 
That  fills  my  soul  with  a  bliss  as  sweet. 
As  wedded  melody  and  rhyme? 


There  is  a  Part  in  man  that  soars  high  above 
his  intellectual  Mind.  .  .  ,  It  is  of  itself  a 
distinctive  life  and  contains  higher  and  loftier 
principles  than  all  the  other  faculties  com- 
bined. .  .  .  Seers  have  titled  this  vital  Part 
the  Soul  and  God  has  proclaimed  that  Death 
shall  not  end  its  existence.  It  is  impossible  for 
man  to  recede  from  the  dictates  of  this  Soul  or 
Conscience  —  for  be  he  Sceptic,  Atheist,  Criminal 
or  what  he  will — the  sense  of  Right  and  Wrong 
is  distinctive  Truth  and  dwells  forever  there  — 
the  keynote  to  Judgment. 


Labor  is  a  holy  Work  !  It  edifies  in  the  mind 
the  problem  of  Life  !  ...  It  awakens  the 
Sturdiness  of  the  God-fearing  men  who  love  Toil 
more  than  Idleness  !  ...  It  has  a  higher 
element  than  these,  for  it  uplifts  and  ennobles 
man  from  the  clutches  of  Crime. 


i6 


PART   II 


The  Celestial  Hvnin 


SYNOPSIS   OF   CANTOS. 

A  Spirit  from  Earth  goes  to  Heaven's  Gate  in  quest 
of  Immortal  Life.  Amazed  at  the  beauty  and  glory  of 
Heaven  he  desires  an  Angel  to  tell  him  why  Eternal 
Ivife  is  denied  to  Man  on  Earth. 

The  Angel  answers,  That  Sin  once  entered  Paradise 
through  Satan,  the  leader  of  Wrong  .  .  .  that  a  great 
battle  ensued  which  resulted  in  the  triumph  of  God  and 
Right  and  the  banishment  from  Heaven  forever  of 
Satan  and  his  host. 

That  God  then  created  Earth  for  a  new  race — but 
Satan — discon'ented  with  his  surroundings  sought  a 
better  atmosphere  and  beholding  Earth  decided  to  un- 
ravel the  mystery  of  its  origin. 

Through  Duplicity  he  gained  admittance  to  the 
Garden  of  Eden  where  Adam  and  Eve  dwelt  and  suc- 
ceeded in  accomplishing  their  fall  from  the  Heavenly 
state  to  that  of  Mortal. 

God,  who  loved  Man — announced  a  victory  over 
Satan.  He  decreed  that  his  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  should 
be  sacrificed  for  the  remission  of  Man's  sin.  That  He 
should  come  to  Earth  as  a  babe  ;  should  live  and  dwell 
among  Men  to  teach  them  of  their  heavenly  Father : 
should  suflfer  and  die  on  the  cross  as  an  atonement  for 
Man's  fall  and  that  they  who  believe  on  His  Name 
should  be  saved  from  the  curse  of  Satan  and  dwell  for- 
ever in  Eternal  Peace. 


19 


Oh  HEAVENLY  MUSE  !  Whose  liquid  notes 

Warble  sweetly  through  all  ages — 

Waft  out  o'er  the  great  abyss 

One  Melody — one  grand  Theme 

Of  that  eternal  bli<s  denied  to  man  on  earth  — 

Immortal  Life. 


Methought  I  heard  one  sweetly  solemn  song, 

Wafted  adown  from  Heaven's  Throne  — 

But  when  I  listened,  the  exquisite  music 

So  filled  my  soul,  that  all  its  gates 

O'erflooded  with  ecstatic  joy. 

Then  when  the  sweet  refrain  had  ended 

I  found  the  story  that  it  told 

Locked  deep  within  my  breast — 

And  so — I  breathe  it  forth 

To  gladden  souls  on  earth. 


20 


CANTO  I. 

Far  beyond  the  glorious  rolling  clouds, 
Where  myriad  sprinkled  stars  peep  out  : 
And  still  beyond  the  path  of  Space 
That  separates  this  lovely  earth,  from  Peace- 
God's  home  in  Paradise, 
There  is  a  Throne. 

Out  of  ethereal  loveliness. 

Arose  a  jasper  wall  : 

And  marvel  of  fantasy  and  art — 

It  was  studded  with  gems  so  precious. 

That  all  Space  reflected  the  glory 

Of  that  unequaled  wall. 

The  lovely  dark  blue  sapphire. 

Gleamed  with  a  royal  blaze  : 

The  chalcedony,  the  emerald,  the  beryl, 

Radiated  and  dazzled  with  splendant  rays  : 

And  the  golden  brown  of  the  topaz. 

With  its  yellow  sheens  of  light. 

Studded  the  arched  pillars 

That  rose  to  a  lofty  height. 

Each  gem  had  a  place  of  beauty 

To  nestle  into.     Twined  round 

The  Sarduis  was  the  Chrysolyte, 

The  Amethyst,  the  Jacinth   the  Chrysopras  : 

And  the  gates  were  massive  Pearls. 

I  entered,  through  the  exquisite  portal 

And  behold  ! — no  sun  shone  there 

21 


No  moon No  stars 

But  a  Being  divinely  fair. 

God  !  .  .  .  .  supreme eternal, 

Was  the  light  ....   the  sun — the  moon — 

The  Life  —the  Alpha  and  Omega 

Of  each  soul  that  dwelt  therein. 

In  that  wonderful,  clear  brightness 

Of  sweet  eternal  day, 

I  saw  a  crystal  river 

Winding  in  picturesque  way  : 

On  its  banks  bloomed  the  unfading  amaranth, 

The  piony  and  asphodel — 

And  the  Tree  of  lyife  and  ambrosia 

Adorned  the  ever  verdant  vales  and  dells. 

The  streets  were  of  transparent  gold, 

And  led  to  the  Throne  of  God, 

And  holy  angels  tread  softly  o'er 

Playing  their  harps  of  gold. 

My  soul  trembled  in  wonder 

That  no  tear  ever  dimmed  their  eyes  : 

No  sorrow,  no  pain,  no  crying. 

Ever  entered  that  holy  shrine. 

No  fierce  tormenting  passions 

No  wrangling— no  jealous  pangs  : 
But  Peace  :  Joy  ecstatic  :  Faith  eternal, 

And  Love the  germ  of  all  three 

And  I  beckoned  a  seraph  to  me 

With  my  outstreched  trembling  hand — 

For  a  spark  of  pity  for  this  dear  earth, 

22 


Dwelt  still  in  my  poor  heart. 

"Oh  tell  me,  thou  saintly  spirit  ! 

Has  Sin  ever  entered  here — 

Where  pain  and  tears  are  unknown 

And  love  is  love  without  fear  ? ' ' 

"  Yes,  Soul  of  Man — he  answered — 

Sin  once  entered  Paradise  ! 

But  Right  always  triumphs  over  Wrong, 

So  Satan  and  his  host  were  cast  out. 

God  loved  Satan Loved  him  so  well, 

That  He  exalted  him  above  the  Archangel  : 

But  Satan's  pride 

Would  not  bend  to  a  higher  Will. 

With  subtle  cunning  and  wicked  art, 

He  connived  to  usurp  the  Throne, 

And  gathered  a  numberless  host 

From  among  the  servants  of  God. 

He  whispered  into  the  willing  ears, 

And  planted  the  dagger  of  jealousy 

Until  they  believed  in  their  simple  hearts, 

They  were  God's  equal And  he  .   .   . 

Set  to  work  to  overthrow  that  Being, 
The  Giver  of  Life  to  all  — 
The  one  eternal  Father, 
The  Universal  Soul. 

God  knew  He  was  not  his  equal  : 

Knew  Satan's  pride  overweighed  his  might, 

And  in  his  great  love  and  mercy, 

23 


Withdrew  in  the  contest     for  Right. 

Right  whispered  —  "  Who  shall  I  send 

To  battle  this  terrible  foe  ? 

For  no  one  will  ever  conquer  Sin 

Without  the  spirit  of  Right  in  him." 

Those  all-seeing  eyes  wandered 

Over  the  vast  throng  — 

But  though  Love  and  Might  were  their  armors, 

Satan  needed  more  than  them. 

Far  back  in  countless  ages, 

Life  gave  to  God  an  heir — 

An  image,  made  of  His  image   - 

A  Son.     As  dear  to  Him 

As  to  all  the  souls  in  Heaven  : 

Loving  as  He  was  loved — 

The  hope  of  the  race  :     The  promise 

Of  God's  bountiful  goodness  and  grace. 

Did  selfishness  enter  within  that  Soul 

For  one  moment  ? 

Nay  !     But  He  waited scarce  wondering, 

Oh  ecstasy  !     He  knew  full  well 

That  the  blessing  was  coming 

A  voice  said,  *'  Father  send  me  ! " 

Oh  joy  !     Could  a  choice  have  been  better  ? 

Could  Satan  now  win  or  fail  ? 

The  answer  was  No  !  before  the  battle, 

For  Right  was  at  war  with  Wrong. 


24 


CANTO   II. 

Fiercer  than  any  mortal  combat, 

Tnan  human  eye  has  e'er  bah^ld  ! 

More  deadly,  because  more  fallen, 

Became  those  fallen  souls 

No  n^2  I  of  armourel  imple  nents. 

Rude  spears  or  bayonets  : 

No  winged  steeds,  no  fiery  clouds, 

Could  restore  those  damned  beings. 

No  sound  of  trumpets  heralded  forth 

To  crush  those  souls  of  sin — 

Th  y  fled  from  the  gates  of  Paradise, 

No  more  to  enter  in. 

Hate  .    .   .   deep  instilled  within  each  heart, 

Hurt  more  than  deadly  bow, 

And  the  divine  halo  around  Christ's  head. 

Sent  them  down  to  Hell  and  woe. 

Satan's  wild  derisive  laugh 

Rang  like  a  funeral  knell — 

Down,  down  they  sank— through  the  vast  abyss 

Till  they  entered  the  gates  of  Hell. 

Soul  of  Man  !     Is  there  any  sin 

That  men  commit  on  earth, 

That  for  its  reward  needs  more  punishment 

Than  a  conscience  forever  pricked  ? 

Shuddering — starving — lamenting — 

That  numberless  host  of  damned  souls, 

Wandered  in  Night  and  Chaos, 

25 


Furies  torturing  their  innermost  souls. 

Abhored  reptiles  with  eyes  aghast, 

Clung  to  the  new  inhabitants  ; 

And  lakes  of  blood  reflected  bare, 

The  horrors  depicted  there  — 

Where  Satan  now  reigned  supreme. 

Ravenous  monsters  whose  mouths 

Gaped  in  mockery  at  Despair, 

Grim  Terror  with  dilated  eyes. 

Witches  inhaling  parched  air. 

Scorpion  ,  vehement  to  destroy, 

Crawled  on  their  bellies  in  vengeful  ire  : 

Horned  dragons  with  stinging  wings, 

Sorceresses  groveling  in  filth  and  mire. 

Pain  .  .    .  keen,  extreme,  with  no  relief : 

Misery  laughing  incessantly 

At  bleeding  forms  that  tried  to  rise, 

From  the  curse  of  that  Stygian  sea. 

vSlander  with  her  venomous  tongue. 

Her  epitaths  vile  and  coarse, 

lyicked  up  and  whispered  each  suspicious  deed, 

Then  grinned  at  pale  Remorse. 

Lust,  burning  in  carnal  appetite, 
Made  fiercer  still  her  one  desire, 
Till  in  her  frenzy  she  outcried 
"  Ye  mock  me  !  vile  spirit  of  fire." 
No  cooling  drop  of  liquid  sweet, 
To  quench  the  awful  thirst  within  ; 

26 


No  rest  to  hush  the  wild  wild  wail 

Of  Sin  ....  abominable  Sin. 

Oh  Anguish  !     Dost  thou  crave  repentance 

That  thy  pursuing  is  so  bitter  ? 

Hath  Mercy  forgotten  intercession 

That  no  Saviour  cometh  to  deliver  ? 

Oh  Pity  !     Can' St  thou  not  implore 

Compassion,  to  regenerate 

Those  puissant  legions  who  vied 

To  be  chief  in  lieu  of  their  Commander  ? 

Does  thy  Sm  .   .  .   .  which  to  man  seems  paltry. 

Bar  communion  with  thy  Maker, 

Or  shall  ye  reascend  to  glory, 

Purged  of  that  pride  for  which  ye  suffer  ? 

There  is  a  power  whose  name  is  will, 

That  in  its  place  is  Heaven  or  Hell : 

Heaven  it  is  if  judged  by  God's  analogy, 

But  man  alone  elects  its  final  destiny. 

Satan,  wearied  with  taunts  of  tartareans, 
And  seeking  revenge  on  God's  theocrasy, 
Sought  to  deliver  or  perchance  relieve 
The  unspeakable  agonies  of  infernal  regions. 
Did  the  prime  instigator  of  their  destruction 
Acknowledge  obeisance  to  Jehovah  ? 
Did  contrition  or  keen  affliction 
Stir  the  arch  fiend  to  distraction  ? 

Hate enormous  in  her  enmity, 

Sealed  his  soul  with  a  new  name  : 

27 


Vengeance,  desperate  in  her  villiany, 
Stamped  the  Devil  with  a  new  fame. 

'*  Oh  fallen  seraphims  ! 

Heirs  by  right  of  the  Empyrean  Throne  .... 
Why  wander  here  in  chaotic  atmosphere  ? 
Condemned  to  plagues — 
Where  wrath  and  fury  lurks  ? 
Spirits  we  are  and  spirits  we  remain, 
One  with  Him  whose  life  was  ante  mundane. 
Burst  the  bars  of  this  vast  and  boundless  deep, 
And  make  Good  weep  that  Evil  doth  predomin- 
ate !  " 

As  the  Fiend  spake.  ...   I^o  !  A  sound  was 

heard, 
That  made  all  Hell  quake  and  look  aghast  .... 
Mightier   than   thunder   with  repeated  blast  on 

blast 
Suddenly  as  from  afar  a  light  was  seen — 
What  meant  its  irradiate  brilliancy  ? 
All  Hell  rested,  wondering  .... 
Until  the  close  of  Day  : 
As  night  came  on 

Curiosity  possessed  them  one  and  all. 
Satan  by  cunning  and  guile 
Peeked  through  the  massive  portal. 
"Wonder!  .  .  .  .  Draw  near,  ye  infernal   sires! 

A  World where  land  and  sea  unite, 

And  far  above  the  circling  orbit 

28 


Fulgent  planets  peep  ouT 

Like  diamonds,  studded  in  the  Celestial  Throne, 

Dazzling,  twinkling,  illuminating, 

Hiding  forever  from  our  sight  our  lost  home  : 

And  above  where  the  Good  reigns, 

A  cerulean  wave  of  a  vast  unbounded  sea  ! 

What  means  this  mystery  ? 

Still  companion  fiends  ! 

God  who  gave  eternal  fire, 

Cannot  reclaim  the  spirits  might : 

Unseen  in  ether  I  will  ascend. 

Far  beyond,  to  that  new  world. 

And  prove  its  meaning — 

Even  if  I  must  pretend 

Hypocrial  scantity." 

Emerging  from  Hell  a  spirit  bold. 

Wrapped  round  and  round  in  crimson  fold. 

Entered  Nature's  lovely  portal. 

Mighty  his  form  ....  unearthly  in  its  strength, 

But  perfect  as  human  e'er  gave  birth  : 

Winged  as  celestial  cherubs  to  soar  at  will, 

And  armed  with  unyielding  purpose  to  fulfill, 

His  first  and  last  desire     Revenge  on  God. 

But  e'er  his  unseen  feet  the  threshold  pressed, 

A  deathly  image  met  him  face  to  face  : 

The   deep   sunk   eyeballs   returned  his  fiendish 

glare 
And  Fear  appalled  the  Devil  in  all  its  awe. 

29 


**  What  spirit  art  thou  that  cometh  to  greet, 

With  faded  countenance  and  shrouded  feet  ? 

Thy  like  ne'er  graced  Heaven  or  Hell  before, 

SPEAK  !  or  vanish  from  my  sight  forevermore. ' ' 

"  By  Heaven's  degree  Light  reflects  bare, 

The  grim  decayed  shape  thou  see'st  here  : 

Unknown  as  yet  my  purpose  to  fulfill — 

BEWARE  !     Lest  Mockery  awake  to  instill 

Within  thy  breast  a  bitterer  pang, 

Than  even  loss  of  Heaven's  Throne. 

Revenge  leads  Mockery  by  the  hand, 

And  scorns  pretentious  honor 

She  assays  to  command. 

Knowest  thou  not,  vile  fiend  of  Sin, 

That  objects  mirror  their  shadows  within? 

The  likeness  is  often  a  similar  size, 

But  sometimes  a  monster  in  other  guise." 

"  Thy  claminess  freezes  the  marrow  of  life ! 

Thou  knowest  aught  of  victory  or  strife  ! 

Away  !  and  leave  me  to  wear  alone 

The  laurels  of  victory  and  my  fall  to  atone." 

**  Here  I  wait  till  thy  return. 

Guarding  the  gate  of  unhappy  Wrong  : 

Here  I  welcome  thy  descension 

With  outstretched  hand  and  dirge  to  Right. ' ' 

The  evil  eyes  of  blackest  hue, 

Sparkled  with  nefarious  light : 

The  mouth  spread  into  malicious  grin, 

That  this  Skeleton's  purpose  so  served  his  aim. 

30 


'*  Farewell  till  then  thou  ghastly  frame, 
I'll  clothe  thee  with  a  wierd  new  name  ! 
Death  thou  art  and  thy  kiss  shall  seal, 
All  souls.     Right  and  wrong  to  reveal 
Their  destiny." 

A  Satan  rose  into  God's  new  Universe, 
Awe— impressed  in  all  its  might, 
Spellbound  his  soul  as  he  viewed  that  sight. 
The  brilliant,  glorious,  live-giving  sun, 
Circled  its  way  beyond  the  horizon  : 
Silvery  clouds  interspersed  with  white, 
Passed  like  butterflies  in  their  flight  : 
And  halfway  beneath  a  blue  canopy, 
Floated  a  world  made  of  land  and  sea. 
*'  What  scheme  of  Nature  meanest  this, 
That  sends  to  eyes  this  sight  to  bless  ? 
More  lovely  view  ne'er  met  the  gaze 
Of  the  beholder  ! 
Is  it  fancy  that  doth  weave 
A  veil  o'er  the  windows  of  my  soul, 
Or  is  yon  lovely  mundane  sphere. 
Inhabited  with  precious  souls  and  dear  ? 

I'll  wend  my  way 

Perchance  I  meet  rebuff  ? 

Then  pride  will  not  say  to  bafflement 

Enough  !   My  flight  I'll  wing 

Even  to  Heaven's  gate, 
There  patiently  to  wait 
The  fulfillment  of  my  hope." 

31 


Was  God  listening  to  this  soliloquy, 

Or  did  Good  not  dream,  that  evil  methods 

Could  hold  such  infamy  ? 

0  loyal  Muse  ! 

Why  give  the  victory  to  Si  tan, 
Than  to  God's  preordination? 

He  who  has  never  v^^orn  Victory's  crown. 

Dreams  not  in  his  soul  the  prize  of  its  renown. 

Daily  attach  of  the  might  we  call  Strength, 

Adds  new  lustre  to  its  measure  and  length  : 

Till  glory  encircling  her  noble  brow, 

Defies  weakness  to  tempt  and  adoration  to  bow. 

Listen  ye  saints  to  the  wisdom  of  God  ! 

And  judge  if  ye  think  it  evil  or  good — 

"  Each  spirit  must  know  the  temptation  of  Sin, 

And  rise  from  its  depths  to  be  made  pure  within! 

1  have  made  me  a  world  most  wondrously  fair, 
And  I  will  create  human  souls 

To  dwell  peacefully  there  ! 

But  choose  they  must  between  Right  and  Wrong ! 
And  make  Life — Deata  ...  or  an  unended  song, 
Where  Love  will  be  a  grand  melody. 
Accompanied  with  exquisite  harmony." 


32 


CANTO    III. 
Eastward  in  Eden  on  the  banks  of  Pison. 
God  planted  a  garden  ; 
It  spread  o'er  the  noble  plains  of  Euphrates, 
And  flaming  swords  guarded  the  bdellium  gates  : 
No  measure  of  poetry  or  versed  inspiration, 
Could  transport  to  the  senses  the  bloom  of  per- 
fection. 
Flowering  in  Eden. 
God  had  transplanted  with  tender  care. 
And  mother  Earth  nursed  her  first-born  there  : 
Then  wisdom  and  genius  both  drew  near. 
And  watched  God  sculpture  His  own  image  dear 
A  precious  soul   He  incased   in   the  masterful 

frame, 
And  breathed  life  into  man  He  called  Adam  by 

name. 
The  father  of  all  the  human  race. 
Walked  with  God.     With  steps  of  infinite  grace 
He  trod  o'er  the  flower-decked  paths 
Wondering  at  his  Father's  bountifulness. 
"Every  beast  of  the  field  that  thou  dost  see 
Every  living  thing  I  have  given  to  thee  ! 
Thou  shalt  ordain  their  title  and  worth, 
And  what  is  not  meat  is  made  for  thy  mirth. 
But  the  Tree  of  Knowledge,  of  Good  and  Evil, 
Of  Life  with  God  or  Death  with  the  Devil, 
The  Omnipotent  hath  ordained  in  His  plan, 
That  its  luscious  fruit  shall  not  be  eaten  by  man. " 

33 


As  twilight  crept  over  earth's  lovely  day, 

A  nightingale  caroled  his  first  trilling  lay  : 

The  golden  sun  rolling  down  to  rest, 

Shed  radiant  beams  toward  the  west : 

Little  breezes  singing  among  the  trees, 

Lulled  to  sleep  weary  birdlings  and  honey  bees  : 

Unharmful   shadow   played  with  each  drooping 

leaf, 
And  kissed  the  dewy  clover  grass  lying  beneath. 
Imperial  Night  bringing  sweet  repose. 
Bade  each  weary  one  rest  and  tired  eyelids  to  close; 
God's  own  angels  sang  slumber  lullabys — 
The  spiritual  band 
Inhabited  earth  unseen  by  man, — 
Unseen  as  seeming  sorrow 
Which  unfolds  to  sweet  joy  to-morrow. 
One  by  one  stars  twinkled  and  shone 
Like  fairy  lamps  illumining  the  hearth  of  a  home; 
And  a  circle  of  pale  far-reaching  light. 
Added  to  the  beautiful  solitude  of  Night. 

After  a  simple  heartfelt  prayer 

Of  thanks  to  the  noble  Bestower, 

Adam  bade  God  a  holy  Amen. 

Neath  the  shade  of  a  cedar  was  a  tropic  spot. 

That  formed  a  couch  of  violet  and  forget-me-not. 

And  he  hied  him  hither. 

He  slept  as  a  babe 

Alone  with  peace,  from  the  day  overpast, 

34 


With  no  fond  hope  that  his  heart  might  ask 
Unsatisfied.     Oh,    happy   those    who   find  their 

heaven 
In  sweet  content !     For  content  is  Heaven  ! 
Who  miss  not  joy's  fruit  growing  by  the  way, 
In  the  dear  lowly  paths  of  every  day, 
When  God  is  the  sower. 


One  more  mission  on  earth  had  He  : 
The  mission  to  create  Man's  affinity. 


"  It  is  not  good  that  man  should  be  alone, 

I  will  make  him  a  mate  !     The  hearth  and  home 

Will  claim  her  for  their  queen  ; 

With  gentle  manner  and  pure,  sw^eet  thought, 

She  will  charm  man's  soul,  so  that  care  for  naught 

Of  trying  contact — will  take  wings  and  flee. 

Sleep,  gentle  soul !     From  thee  shall  spring 
A  perfect  ideal.     Holy  wedlock's  ring 
With  both  I  will  encircle. 
Then  bliss  may  beget  sweet  images  fair. 
And  childish  voices  shall  echo  the  prayer 
Of  homage  to  Jehovah." 

Thou  Germ  of  germs  who  did  intend 

Life  to  be  a  glorious  flower,  whose  blooming 

Time  could  never  wither  or  end  : 

Unroll !     Unwind  !     Unravel  Reason's  Mystery, 

And  make  her  wheel  a  circle  of  simplicity  ! 


35 


Oh  gentle  reader !     Could  ye  resist 

That  great  temptation  ?     Then  why  persist 

In  falling  each  little  day.  .  .  . 

For  less  ....  far  less  than  Adam's  sin  ? 

Could  we  think  simple  thought  and  pure, 

Then  Good  and  Evil  would  demur 

Of  their  intention. 

For  every  deed  or  action  in  Life's  field 

Solves  first  the  problem.  .  .  . 

In  height  or  depth  will  I  build  ? 

Every  thought  framed  in  the  infinite  mind, 

I  m merges  therefrom  and  denotes  to  expression 

The  degree  of  kind.  .  .  .  whether  noble  or  base. 

Is  it  a  good  to  hide  evil  deeds 

By  showering  on  poverty's  children  their  needs? 

Naught  but  the  soul  knows  the  struggle  within, 

Its  striving  to  rise 

From  persistent  temptation  of  Sin. 


Oh  Morning  !     Unmatched  in  Nature's  beauties, 

And  made  blessed  by  the  glorious  sun  : 

Who  calleth  AWAKE  !  and  Life  honoring  Duty, 

Springs  to  activity  and  Day  is  begun. 

But  more  lovely  than  thou  in  thy  loveliest  hour, 

And  sweet  as  the  fragrance  of  the  sweetest  flower, 

Is  she  whom  thou  hast  brought.. 

A  golden  shower  of  waving  tresses 

Crowns  her  ;  with  clinging  caresses 

36 


They   half  hide  dimpled    shoulders   and   noble 

breasts. 
With  eyes  of  a  perfect  heavenly  blue, 
And  changing  only  when  love  shines  through 
To  a  still  deeper  and  dearer  color. 
With   unspeakable  tenderness   in   her   beautiful 

face, 
With  light  steps  of  peerless,  exquisite  grace, 
She  approacheth  her  future  husband. 

Her  robe the  royal  one  of  purity, 

Is  bedecked  with  no  jewel  save  modesty. 

Adorning  Innocence  !     Thou  art  the  test 

Of  what  offspring  shall  repose  in  thy  nest 

Or  rock  in  generations'  cradle. 

The  premier  lover  ....  clad  in  similar  robe, 

And  armed  with  respect  and  courage  bold, 

Went  forth  to  greet  her. 

*  *  Woman  thou  art !     The  essence  of  Man  ! 

With  thee  communion  is  dearer,  than 

All  else  in  this  fair  world." 

Man's  heart  is  a  simple  precious  thing 

That  resembles  the  vital  golden  spring 

Of  a  watch Time's  teller. 

But  no  time  will  ever  be  dearer  to  man, 
Than  that  moment  when  felicitous  love 
First  began  to  enter.     When  heart  beats 
Resound  in  another  heart,  as  an  echo 


37 


Lingering  as  a  loved  song  while  apart, 

Or  walking  life's  path  together. 

Oh  little  day  !     How  sweet  art  thou 

When  ruled  by  Love's  caresses  and  vows, 

For  Labor  she  cheereth. 

But  liveth  a  soul  of  sufficient  content, 

Who  doth  not  crave  for  more  ? 

True  happiness  often  overflows, 

And  sends  sorrow  to  close  the  door. 


Ah  expected  to-morrow  !     Why  cannot  ye  fore- 
tell. 
What  tragedies  are  woven  by  magic  spell, 
Ro  und  thy  future  moments  ? 
For  in  time's  lazy  hour  Sin  doth  cajole, 
Beware  !     The  saddest  duty  pressed  on  a  soul. 
Is  freedom  from  work  or  knowledge. 

God  gave  man  the  soil  to  till, 

And  Adam  went  forth  with  loving  will. 

To  do  his  divine  bidding. 

The  God-sent  woman  to  man  grown  dear, 

Lingered  at  home  —  unmindful  of  fear, 

Nor  dreamed  of  harm  befalling. 

Where  fleddest  thou  Art,  in  all  thy  beauties  ? 
Where,  tell  me  where  were  life's  homely  Duties, 
That  Idleness  now  held  sway  ? 


38 


CANTO  IV. 

Clothed  in  invisible  Hypocrisy, 

The  Impostor  foul  entered  man's  sanctity, 

And  Peace  went  home  to  God. 

Not  as  an  aerial  meteor  when  it  falls 

In  natural  glory  :     Nativeness  proclaiming 

Whence  came  it But  an  incorporeal  spirit 

Imitating  a  living  snake. 

He  blinded  goodness  guarding  at  Eden's  gate 

For  Man's  foe. 

Watchful  Uriel  gazing  on  its  cunning  charm, 

Saw  it  crawl  slowly  from  outside  Harm, 

Thinking  it  had  strayed. 

'*  I  shall  not  question  spirits  that  dwell  here, 
lycst  recognition  fill  them  with  dread  fear. 
And  I  lose  Gain." 

Suppressed  surprise  shot  in  startled  gleams. 
On  the  beauties  which  seemed  true  sunbeams 

Of  Paradise his  old  home. 

But  the  next  vision  filled  him  with  despair  ! 
It  was  a  flower-decked  path,  where  loving  pair 
Walked  hand  in  hand. 

*  *  Creatures  of  most  mysterious  mould  ! 

He  .  .  .  God-like :  She,  God-like  through  him  : 

Two  loving  hearts  now  free  from  Sin  : 

The  first  inhabitants  of  this  great  world. 

39 


Writhe  on  my  soul !     Will  envy  burst  it  asunder 

With  those  sweet  glances  ? 

Doubtless  one  little  blunder 
Shall  cast  them  from  their  high  estate. 
What  gentle  converse  speaks  those  lips  ? 
Hark  !  .  .  .  The  secret  of  their  existence 

In  the  bud  I'll  nip 

Then  scheme  to  cause  it  ruin. 

Oh  blessed  language  that  gives  me  the  key  ! 
T'is  obeyance.  To  touch  not  yon  lofty  tree, 
Or  Death  shall  be  the  doom." 

Oh  tender  Bard,  my  heart  doth  cry 

Why  ?  .  .  .  Why  did  not  greater  God, 
Defy  Satan  to  conquer  man's  will? 

Nay  doubting  faith  !  Would' st  thou  know  all? 
Man's  will  was  free  given.  Small  were  the  gift 
If  Obeyance  demanded  that  will. 

Wandering  far  from  her  native  bowers 

Went  Eve.     Gathering  here  and  there  a  flower, 

As  fancy  pleased. 

Ye  bordered  paths  where  beauty  dwells 

Can  ye  not  whisper  to  our  hearts  and  tell 

Where  lies  the  stinging  adder  ? 

Awake  ye  breezes  and  with  singing  note 

Bear  Deception  o'er  thy  waves. 

Afloat  in  her  wicked  bark. 


¥> 


Coiling  itself  by  the  rigEt  of  way, 

An  evil-eyed  hideous  monster  lay 

Innocent  apparently  from  outward  form, 

But  with  a  black  purpose  —That  life  would  mourn 

Should  Gain  be  the  fulfillment. 

* '  Did  God  command  ye  shall  not  taste 

Of  every  fruit  ? Oh  Woman  haste ! 

And  partake  that  ye  might  be  as  gods 
Who  walk  through  life  having  open  eyes  : 
Surely  thou  knowest  that  nothing  dies 
By  His  decree." 

Persuaded  by  these  accents  mild  and  sweet, 

She  directed  her  steps  to  where  nature  replete 

Was  blooming. 

**  Ah  dearest  beloved  !     I  will  bring  to  thee 

Food  for  gods.     For  to  know  good  from  evil 

Will  be  wisdom  unsought  ! ' ' 

With  fast  flying  feet  she  went  to  greet 

Her  master.     She  bore  in  her  hand  the  seed 

Of  emotional  Passion. 

Flesh  of  his  flesh  and  bone  of  his  bone, 

Could  man  resist  his  very  own 

And  conquer? 

If  love  completely  own  the  will 

Selfishness  cannot  awake  to  instill 

Her  individualism. 

Adam  partook  of  the  morsel  without  fear  .  .  . 


41 


But  in  Heaven  God  shed  a  tear 
For  the  consequences. 

With  amorous  play— for  thought  delayed  Danger, 
They  sped  to  their  pure  unbridaled  chamber — 
And  Virtue  fled. 


42 


CANTO   V. 
A  ladder  made  of  extended  angels'  hands 
Descended  from  Heaven's  portal.     The  spiritual 

band 
Upheld  God's  chariot. 
Blessed  memory  can  ye  ever  trace, 
Another  sight  more  dear  than  God's  own  face, 
For  mortal  vision  ? 

In  the  cool  eventide  of  Eden's  last  day, 
The  Infinite  Father  sought  two  who  wandered 

away 
From  His  precious  fold. 
Can  the  soul  of  a  parent  ever  repress, 
The  yearning  love  in  his  wounded  breast 
For  the  prodigal  ? 

In  accents  reproachful  though  tender  and  sweet 
God  questioned  Adam.  ...  *  *  Did'st  thou  eat 
Of  the  forbidden  fruit?" 

* '  The  Woman  whom  thou  gavest  offered  to  me 
And  I  accepted.     The  warning  word  from  Thee 
Went  Uncherished. ' ' 
"  What  is  this  that  thou  hast  done?" 
The  woman  answered — *  *  The  serpent  won 
My  heart  by  his  beguiling." 

The  Minor  key  of  God's  heart  was  touched 
As  deep  as  sounds  saddest  strain.  Hushed 
Was  the  Major  tone. 


43 


His  all-seeing  eyes  pierced  the  accursed  spirit 

With  full  understanding.     Unhallowed  Merit 

Added  to  Wickedness  the  Sin  of  Deception. 

* '  Cursed  art  thou  above  cattle  and  beast  ! 

No  pity— even  of  Measure's  least 

Can  deserve  claim  for  thy  transgression. 

On  thy  belly  shalt  thou  go  the  days  of  thy  life 

With  nought  save  dust  to  eat : 

Woman's  seed  with  Enmity's  strife, 

Over  thee  shall  triumph  ! 

Woman  !     I  will  multiply  thy  sorrow  and  con- 
ception 
And  thy  desire  shall  be  to  thy  husband  ! 
With  protection  he  shall  rule  over  thee. 

Adam  !     Thou  hast  harkened  to  the  voice  of  thy 

wife, 
And  cursed  is  the  ground  for  thy  sake  ! 
All  through  life  shalt  thou  eat  of  it. 
Thorns  and  thistles  it  shall  bring  forth  to  thee, 
And  the  herb  from  the  field  ; 
No  bread  shall  there  be 
Save  by  the  sweat  of  thy  face. ' ' 

Then  God  made  Adam  and  Eve  coats  of  skin 
And  clothed  them.     For  when  Sin  is  naked 
Darker  pollution  beginneth. 

44 


*  *  lycst  man  stretch  forth  his  hand  and  partake 

Of  Life's  Tree  and  live  forever — 

His  eyes  no  more  shall  see  his  native  Eden." 

Driven  from  home  !     Wanderers  on  Barth  ! 
Fallen  through  Sin  !     Naught  save  the  promise 
That  birth  would  restore  their  heritage. 

Though  Time  was  the  Night  when  God  wended 

His  way, 
The  Sky  was  living  blue  as  when  pure  day 
Made  it  visible. 

For  Darkness  fled  before  primitive  Light.  .  .  . 
On  rolling  clouds  of  ethereal  white 
Sailed  the  Pilgrimer. 
Silence  immense  possessed  God's  soul 
For  the  lofty  idea,  dreamed  of  the  whole 
Conception  of  man  missed  expression. 
But  the  tears  welling  from  His  pitying  eyes. 
Dropped  to  earth— and  Hope,  unmasking  Disguise 
Proved  those  tear-drops  more  precious  than  dew. 
For  Commonplace  Life  by  their  moistening  power 
Added  Genius  and  Skill  and  an  endless  dower 
Of  blessings  for  man. 
Then  relative  Major  wept  with  her  Minor 

At  the  bier  of  common  Sorrow 

Were  their  lamentations  heard  ? 


45 


CANTO   VI. 

A  hideous  monster  reached  Hell's  dark  gate  : 

A  crawling  Serpent With  eyes  of  per- 
fidious hate 

At  beholding  his  transformation. 

''  BESTIR  !  BESTIR  !  And  let  me  in  ! 

With  triumph  I  return  to  the  field  of  Sin 

With  glory  to  be  crowned." 

His  companions,  receding  with  awful'  fear 

Trembled.  Would  God  relieve  them  with  one 
lone  tear 

When  Remorse  subsided  ? 

What  doom  in  judgment  could  equal  this  ? 

Ah  !  Hell  itself  had  owned  one  bliss 

Above  such  phrenetic  curse. 

Palsied  of  might  and  speech  and  thought 

For    one    instant They    arose  a  screeching 

mass 

And  sought  to  flee  from  Belial. 

In  weird  supernatural  commanding  cry, 

The  Monster  ordered  them  not  to  fly, 

But  pause  and  listen. 

' '  Stagnant  this  region  compared  with  the  world 

I  have  lately  visited.     Your  Chief 

Hath  unveiled  the  mystery  !  " 

No  shout  of  victory  burst  from  that  throng 

At  such  declamation  .  .  Beelzebub  wearied  long 

By  such  boasts  denounced  them. 

46 


*  *  Hollow  thy  hopes  and  aspirations  ! 
Success  is  not  linked  with  thy  apopthegm, 
Else  thou  mockest  this  synod  of  gods. 
For  if  victory  thou  had'st  been  crowned, 
would  Dragon  be  the  baneful  bedaggled  sound 
To  express  thy  title  ? '  * 

Abaddon  .  .  .  stung  to   the   quick  by  his   false 

friend 
Blasphemed  the  Deity.     Doubt  began  to  contend 
With  inquisitive  Curiosity. 
Amid  insulting  hissing  and  disparage 
Appolyon  staggered.     Seemingly  their  chief  sage 
Was  momentarily  vanquished. 

**  Hail  Fate  Hail !     We  embraced  thy  fetters 

When  we  linked  Destiny  to  Death. 

Are  we  not  debtors 

To  the  King  of  Pandemonium  ?  ' ' 

Care  ....  worn  deep  by  superstitious  fear 

Sat  on  ApoUyon's  brow  .  .  .  Sadly  drear 

Seemed  their  abasement. 

But  dauntless  in  courage  and  goaded  by  conceit, 

He  rallied  mighty  Force  to  Will 

*'  Ye  golden-eared  Wheat !     Shall  ye  all  turn  to 

chaff? 
Hark  !  .  .  Tetrarchs  :  Kings  :  Potentates  : 
Draw  near  while  I  unfold  to  you 
How  late  this  personation  I  practised. " 

47 


Silenced  by  such  a  bold  glosing  lie 

They  assembled  once  more.     Hushing  wail  and 

cry 
Till  Duplicity  should  be  expounded. 
*'  Picture  an  orb  of  elementary  worth, 
Where  proud  Nature  recently  hath  given  birth, 
To  water  and  productive  land  : 
Where  Seasons  ....  Winter  and  budding  Spring 
Blossoms  to  blitheful  Summer  bring, 
Filling  Autumn's  harvest  with  plenty. 
Where  many  a  winding  river  doth  flow. 
Where  gentle,  temperate  zephyrs  blow 
Stillness  to  play  with  Activity  : 
Where  proud  old  oaks  shade  the  hot  sun's  blaze. 
Where  cowslip  and  daisy  grow  in  clustered  ways, 
To  form  downy  couches  : 

Where  the  lion  gambles  with  the  gentle  gazelle. 
Where  warbling  birds  flit  o'er  field  and  dell, 
Filling  the  air  with  melody  : 
Where  the  pomegranate,  the  fig  and  golden  apple 
And  a  tonic  wine  from  the  grape  doth  ripple, 
Quenched  thirst  to  satisfy  : 
Where  the  bee  forgetting  his  cruel  sting. 
Drops  on  a  flower  to  rest  his  pretty  wing. 
And  sips  the  sweet  honey. 
Where  silver  streams  that  laugh  and  bubble. 
And  mirror  the  swan  to  a  shadowy  double. 
As  she  sails  proudly  by. 

4a 


Where  the  auricula,  the  daffodil  and  queenly  rose, 
And  every  fair  flower  that  imagination  knows, 
Bloom  and  waft  their  fragrant  perfume. 
Where  away  from  God  and  alone  in  Space, 
We  may  find  a  Utopian  sequestered  place, 
To  reign  supreme. 

But  it  seemeth  within  your  souls  ye  question. 
For   the   method   of  the   Most    High's    figured 

intention 
For  such  glorious  creation  ? 
Friends  and  Foes  !     The  problem  of  greatness  is 

this— 
That  we  weave  till  we  weave  out  her  simpleness, 
And  laugh  Intricacy  to  scorn. 
Dwelling  and  flourishing  on  one  hemisphere 
I  beheld  two  human  forms.     But  not  in  fear 
Did  I  approach  them. 
Iviving  in  Love  they  were  easily  led, 
And  mistaking  Wrong's  voice  for  Right's  instead 
Have  received  the  annats  of  preferment. 
Already  Man's  seducement  has  been  completed, 
And  Wrong  has  abolished  the  eternal  right 
Deeded  to  him  from  God. 
Shall  ye  sojourn  in  this  pestiferous  realm. 
Where  anathema  and  aceldama  overwhelm 
The  spirit  with  despair  ? 
Shall  ye  embrace  such  attollent  fortune. 
And  laugh  with  fickle  chance  and  high  promotion, 

49 


Or  send  a  more  honest  Investigator?  *' 

Disease,  Distemper  and  apeing  Mimicry, 

Disrespect,  Adultery  and  perjured  Abscondry, 

Disembogued  their  afiSrmation. 

But  Melancholy  and  drunken  Revelry, 

Purlonged  Theft  and  suspicious  Jealousy, 

Consu'ted  with  Theurgy  and  Confusion. 

*'  Brethren  !     It  is  no  ambiguous  arcanum. 

That  eminence  in  Hell  is  withheld — 

But  migration  in  force  might  be  opposed. 

This  mismatic  atmosphere  rooms  no  perlieu  for 

Joy, 
But   Consideration   bids  Caution  be  deceptively 

coy, 
In  our  attempt  of  possession. 
In  little  bands  let  us  emigrate  there, 
To  foretaste  of  this  land.     As  spirits 
Perchance  man  will  be  unaware 
Of  our  presence. ' ' 

On  the  features  of  the  fierce  Misanthrope 
A  visible  satisfaction  dawned.    Oh  alluring  Hope ! 
Would  his  dream  be  realized  ? 


50 


CANTO  VII. 
Seated  on  the  high  exalted  Throne 

Of  the  Omnipotent' s  Dominion 

I  beheld  a  Lamb  as  pure  as  snow. 

His  countenance  was  like  unto  the  sun, 

Emitting  the  life-giving  rays 

That  Time  cannot  outrun 

Because  Strength  is  unparalleled. 

His  eyes  were  more  tender  than  all  eyes  above, 

And  in  their  depths  burned  the  continual  fire  of 

love, 
Rekindling  in  uplifted  eyes  below. 
His  mellifluous  voice  was  as  the  sound 
Of  many   waters,  whose   varied   tones   but  roll 

around 
The  mysteries  of  condition. 
His  snowy  raiment,  woven  with  God's  hands. 
Was  gently  girdled  with  unalloyed  golden  bands. 
And  wear  retained  it  spotless. 
Round  about  that  noble  Jesu  head — 
Which  seemed  immaculate  God  instead, 
An  emerald  rainbow  circled. 
And  twenty  elders  kneeling  before  that  Throne, 
Tuned  their  gold  harps  to  one  true  unison  tone. 
Then  sang  the  Hallelujah  chorus  : 
BI.ESSING  AND  GI.ORY  AND  HONOR, 
THANKSGIVING,  WISDOM  AND  POWER, 


51 


BE  UNTO  OUR  GOD  FOREVER  AND  EVER 

AI.LEIvUJAH  !     AMEN. 

But  e'er  those  sweet  hosannah's  died  away, 

The  incense  rose  and  through  the  mistlike  ray, 

The  Godhead  was  made  visible. 

Father  ....  Son  ....  and  Holy  Spirit, 

The  Comforter  that  souls  through  grace  inherit. 

And  from  violation  are  sanctified. 

The  Annointed  was  pleading  for  the  human  race 

That  Providence  created.     No  worthy  case 

Ever  claimed  so  great  an  Advocater. 

*  *  See' St  thou  what  hatred  and  revenge 

Hath  stirred  the  false  Prophet  ? 

Behold  he  doth  ascend  to  Man's  colossal  seat. 

Shall  Adam  from  Satan's  temptation  arise 

And  be  as  these  Thy  subjects?     Or  wilt  Thou 

disguise 
All  thought  and  knowledge  of  Sin  ? 
Will  he  fear  his  God  enduring  forever, 
Because    Thou   art    Truth    and    Righteousness 

together 
And  the  Rock  of  his  salvation  ? 
Will  Thy  judgment  be  more  desired  than  gold. 
Yea,  rather  than  much  fine  gold. 
And  sweeter  than  honey  and  the  honeycomb  ? 
Shall  he  praise  with  psalm  the  Chief  Musician, 


52 


That  marvelous  lovingkindness  made  no  ommis- 

sion, 
Of  one  beatitude  ?  ' ' 

The  Spirit  of   Goodness,  who   is   Wisdom  and 

Might, 
And  the  well-spring  of  understanding  and  light. 
Spake  a  parable : 

"  An  ugly  weed  growing  in  roadside  way, 
More  hideous  grew  from  day  to  day, 
Until  Merit  passed  it  heedlessly  by  : 
Then  it  said  to  itself — nothing  heedeth  me  ! 
I  will  contaminate  all  that  approach,  to  see 
What  effect  will  develop  ! 
But  lyife  hath  a  mission  for  each  loved  germ. 
Though  its  value  Time  has  been  late  to  learn, 
As  only  Perseverance  will  prove. 
An  angel  was  sent  from  Heaven's  gate, 
To  seek  through  Time  —be  it  early  or  late. 
For  an  everlasting  aromic  incense  : 
He  sought  in  each  city  and  lovely  nook. 
He  sought  on  the  by-way  and  by  babbling  brook, 
But  success  failed  to  crown  effort. 
Discouraged  with  heat  on  Barren  Way, 
He  gave  up  hope  as  he  reached  Highway, 
When  a  hideous  weed  he  spied  : 
He  gathered  it  with  loving  hand, 
And  pressed  it  close  in  his  girdled  band, 
Then  soared  on  high  again. 

53 


Botanical  Genus  owned  but  one  of  the  kind 

And  it  held  a  hidden  virtue  

Blind  to  all  eyes  save  God  : 
That  hideous  weed  when  purged  of  dross, 
Was  pressed  until  essence  wended  forth, 
The  ethereal  quintessence  of  heaven. 

In  that  new  kingdom  where  the  world  is  the  field, 

Faithful  children  is  the  good  seed  it  will  yield, 

But  the  tares  are  the  children  of  the  Enemy  : 

The  love  of  Good,  inborn  in  the  human  soul, 

Is  linked  eternally  to  Will.     Might  in  her  whole 

Strength  cannot  separate  them. 

Man  in  choosing  Evil  usurps  not  the  Good 

By  one  iota.     But  Discontent 

Would  expel  Happiness  forever. 

Hail  Wisdom  !     Thy  parable  interpreted  — 

By  Repentance  through  sacrifice  souls  may  be  led 

To  Redemption. 

A  paschal  lamb  offered  on  the  altar  of  fire 

For  atonement — shall  blight  the  Evil  One's  desire 

And  save  the  race  from  damnation. 

But  the  antitype  promised  for  man's  remission, 

Is  my  beloved  Son — What  dearer  offering  could 

Sin 
Demand  from  the  Giver?" 
Love  ineffable  through  Christ's  features  shone 
Until  God's  image  mirrored  His  very  own 
Making  Father  and  Son  equal. 

54 


*'  Abba — lyCt  me  so  glorify  Thy  name, 

That  man  shall  worship  God  the  same 

As  He  whom  thou  hast  sent. 

Let  Thy  grace  be  sufficient  for  me 

For  whatever  sacrifice  Love  doth  not  foresee — 

May  Thy  will  be  done." 

The  Head  of  the  great  Melchisedec  order 

Bowed  in  rapturous  reverence  —  ' '  Children  lander 

Hosannah  to  Jesus  the  Saviour. ' ' 

HOLY,  HOLY,  LORD  GOD  ALMIGHTY! 
BEHOLD  THE  BRIGHT  AND  MORNING 

STAR! 
HOLY,  HOLY,  LORD  GOD  ALMIGHTY! 
WORSHIP  THE  LAMB  FOREVERMORE ! 

Earth's  religious  theme  then  gladdened  each  ear, 

And  waiting  listeners  scarce  breathed  to  hear 

What  its  foundation  would  be. 

"  Not  as  reigning  Monarch  or  exalted  King, 

Not  awaiting  multitude  to  hail  and  sing 

Thy  approaching  ascension. 

But  by  the  marvelous  mystery  of  human  birth. 

Woman  shall  bear  a  babe  who  will  gladden  earth 

With  Peace,  Good- will  to  man." 


55 


CANTO   VIII. 
Through  generations  with  sinful  man 
Forbearance  lingered.     Else  the  Divine  plan 
Had  been  abolished. 

When  multitudes  covered  the  face  of  the  earth, 
God  claimed  one  pure  lineage  of  royal  birth, 
From  Abraham  to  David. 


The  Almighty  sent  Gabriel  to  a  chaste  home 

In  Nazareth  of  Galilee  :  where  a  virgin  alone 

Knelt  at  devotions. 

That  spirit  entered  the  unopened  door. 

And  illuminating  light  darkened  before 

The  brightness  of  His  countenance. 

' '  Hail  thou  that  art  highly  favored  ! 

The  lyord  be  with  thee  ! Blessed 

Art  thou  among  women." 

The  maiden,  void  of  apparent  fear, 

As  are  those  who  worship  God  sincere, 

Was  amazed  at  such  salutation. 

"  Fear  not  Mary  !     That  holy  child  born  of  thee, 

And  called  Emmanuel .  .  .  Interpreted  shall  be, 

Jesus  the  Son  of  the  Highest. 

The  Lord  shall  give  him  the  throne  of  David, 

And  He  shall  rule  over  the  house  of  Jacob, 

His  kingdom  to  have  no  end." 

56 


Virgin  Purity  blushed  on  Mary's  brow, 

And  Honor  demanded  from  the  messenger, 

*  *  How  shall  these  things  be  ?  " 

The  announcing  angel  replied  unto  her, 

* '  The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come  with  power, 

And  overshadow  thee." 

' '  Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  I^ord, 

Be  it  unto  me  according  to  thy  word," 

And  the  angel  departed  from  her. 

Unseen  .  .  .  unheard  .  .  .  unfelt  by  all 

Save  Mary  ...  a  something  came  from  Heaven  : 

It  clouded  rounded  the  Virgin's  form, 

And  entered  by  the  Holy  Grail  of  Purity  : 

Soft  as  a  baby's  willing  kiss, 

I^ight  so  light  that  sound  would  miss 

Its  advent  ...  so  crept  this  God-sent  Germ, 

Of  the  eternal  Father's  treasured  Son. 

When  virtuous  passion  plants  a  seed. 

And  Nature  nourishes  it  in  fields  elysium, 

It  blossoms  forth wonder  indeed  ! 

A  little  child,  lyove's  own  expression. 

But  what  doth  nourish  the  infant  soul. 

That  launches  out  in  life  new  born  ? 

Is  it  not  God's  mysterious  power. 

That  quickens  the  breath  through  time's  hour  ? 

Praise  and  thanksgiving  filled  Mary's  soul, 
With  exceeding  joy.     Would  not  the  whole 
Universe  call  her  Mother  ? 


57 


The  psalms  of  the  greatest  earthly  musician 

Were  by  her  forgotten  : 

But  the  Spirit  for  their  omission 

Inspired  a  Magnificat : 

"MY  SOUL  DOTH  MAGNIFY  THE  LORD, 

AND  MY  SPIRIT  HATH  REJOICED 

IN  GOD  MY  SAVIOR. 

FOR  HE  HATH  REGARDED 

THE  LOW  ESTATE  OF  HIS  HANDMAIDEN. 

FOR  BEHOLD  FROM  HENCEFORTH, 

ALL  GENERATIONS  SHALL  CALL  ME  BLESSED. 

FOR  HE  THAT  IS  MIGHTY 

HATH  DONE  TO  ME  GREAT  THINGS, 

AND  HOLY  IS  HIS  NAME. 

AND  HIS  MERCY  IS  ON  THEM  THAT  FEAR  HIM. 

FROM  GENERATION  TO  GENERATION. 

HE  HATH  SHOWED  STRENGTH  WITH  HIS  ARM, 

HE  HATH  SCATTERED  THE  PROUD 

IN  THE  IMAGINATION  OF  THEIR  HEARTS : 

HE    HATH     PUT    DOWN    THE    MIGHTY    FROM 

THEIR    SEATS, 
AND  EXALTED  THEM  OF  LOW  DEGREE: 
HE  HATH  FILLED  THE  HUNGRY  WITH  GOOD 

THINGS, 
AND  THE  RICH  HE  HATH  SENT  EMPTY  AWAY : 
HE  HATH  HOLPEN  HIS  SERVANT  ISRAEL 
IN  THE  REMEMBRANCE  OF  HIS  MERCY ; 
AS  HE  SPAKE  TO  OUR  FOREFATHERS, 
TO  ABRAHAM  AND  TO  HIS  SEED  FOREVER." 


Far  over  the  verdant  plains  of  Judaea, 
To  the  lovely  town  of  Bethlehem  so  dear, 

58 


Where  pomp  and  pride  are  forgotten  : 

Where  rustic  sweetness  and  humbleness  dwell 

Side  by  side.     Leaving  joy  on  each  brow  to  tell, 

That  happiness  makes  kings  of  peasants. 

Thy   cattle   quench   thirst   from   a   small,    clear 

stream, 
Then  wander  in  meadow-grass  to  low  and  dream 
Of  the  wind ,  the  field  and  weather  : 
The  meadow  lark  is  thy  native  bird. 
And  all  the  year  round  is  her  melody  heard, 
From  housetop,  tree  and  heather, 
lyittle  children  patter  their  baby  feet 
In  the  village  of  homes.     Wild  flowers  sweet 
Grow  within  thy  borders. 
Content  is  the  great  treasure  of  thy  wealth. 
And  pureness  of  life  doth  assure  thy  health, 
Making  home  a  kingdom. 

When  the  sun  was  hid  in  her  cradle  bed. 

One  irradiate  star  sentried  overhead 

Where  a  young  child  lay. 

The  humble  manger  whereon  he  slept 

Was  Heaven's  choice.     Could  Sacrifice  accept 

A  poorer  dwelling  ? 

Keeping  watch  over  their  flock  by  night. 
Shepherds  gazed  in  wonder  at  that  star's  light 
Shining  round  about  them. 
But  lyO  !     The  Lord's  angel  doth  appear, 

59 


Proclaiming  to  eager  listening  ear, 

Tidings  of  joy  for  all  people. 

"  In  the  city  of  David  .  .  .  this  blessed  morn, 

The  Saviour.  Christ  the  Lord  was  born. 

Ye  will  find  Him  in  a  manger." 

And  suddenly  an  angelic  throng 

Lauded  that  angel's  jubilant  song, 

Praising  God  and  saying  : 

GLORY  TO  GOD  IN  THE  HIGHEST  ! 

GLORY  TO  GOD  IN  THE  HIGHEST  ! 

AND  ON  EARTH  PEACE,  COOD  WILL. 

When  the  angels  were  gone  away  from  them , 

They    said  .  .  .  ' '  Let    us    now    go    even    unto 

Bethlehem, 
And  see  this  Thing  which  has  come  to  pass." 


On  a  comfortless  bed  of  fragrant  hay, 

Life  in  the  form  of  a  baby  lay. 

Oh  blessed  motherhood  ! 

A  visible  crown  of  blue  ether  light 

Rested  over  him  .  .  .  nor  darkest  night 

Could  erase  its  hallowed  circle. 

Wrapped  in  simple  swaddling  clothes, 

With  naught  to  administer,  when  woes 

Gave  expression. 

But  if  God  doth  not  forget  the  sparrow, 

6q 


O  the  lily  that  must  bloom  tomorrow, 

Could  He  forget  Thee  ? 

Do  not  joy  and  sor  ow  ride  wheel  within  wheel, 

Leaving    Patient    Endurance    their    gleams    to 

reveal, 
Proving  sorrow  but  joy  misunderstood? 
Yea  !     For  e'er  Thine  eyes  in  slumber  rest, 
Three  wise  men  from  the  far  east 
Were  seeking  the  Messiah. 

' '  Where  is  He  that  was  born  King  of  the  Jews, 
For  His  star  hath  proclaimed  the  joyful  news. 
And  we  are  come  to  worship  Him." 
Bringing  gifts  of  frankincense  and  myrrh, 
Gold,  ophir  and  gems  that  by  far 
Outnumbered  those  to  a  ruler. 
With  worship  they  knelt  at  their  Savior's  feet. 
Offering  thanksgiving.     In  each  heart  beat 
Pious  adoration. 

Departing  in  joy — Hark  !  A  new  song  they  sing, 
"  Praised  be  God  we  beheld  the  King 
Promised  to  our  forefathers." 

Mary  pondered  their  sayings  in  her  breast, 
And  Mother  love  tenderly  nursed,  the  blest 
Hope  of  Salvation. 

Into  God's  Holy  Temple  at  Jerusalem, 
Mary  and  Joseph — late  of  Bethlehem, 
Brought  an  Infant  Child. 

6i 


According  unto  the  law  of  the  Lord, 

As  it  is  written  in  His  holy  Word, 

He  was  circumcised  and  called  Jesus. 

Simeon,  a  devout  and  holy  man, 

Waiting  for  Israel's  consolation, 

Took  the  child  in  his  arms  saying  .  .  . 

* '  Lord  mine  eyes  have  seen  Thy  salvation  ! 

And  the  glory  and  light  of  every  nation  ! 

Let  me  now  depart  in  peace  !  ' ' 

Then  laying  his  hands  on  them  he  blessed  them, 

And  they  departed.     Returning  not  to  Bethlehem, 

But  their  native  city  of  Nazareth. 


62 


CANTO    IX. 
On  a  desolate  spot  as  wild  as  Fear, 
Three  crosses  on  the  clouded  horizon  appear, 
And  one  bears  an  inscription. 
No  angel  comes  to  uphold  Him  there  .... 
Who  died  martyr.     Body  broken  and  torn  bare 
Where  nails  had  pierced. 
Can  thy  crucified  body  ever  efface, 
The  triumphant  joy  on  that  classic  face, 
Telling  Redemption's  story  ? 
Victory  alone  doth  wreathe  laurel  crown. 
To  place  upon  Thy  brow.     Unending  Renown 
Will  proclaim  * '  Salvation  from  Death  ! ' ' 

Joseph  of  Arimathaea Jesus'  disciple, 

Rich  in  wealth  and  a  counsellor  by  title. 
Craved  Pilot  for  his  I^ord's  body  : 
Nicodemus,  which  came  to  Jesus  by  night, 
Brought  myrrh  and  aloes  of  an  hundred  weight. 
And  they  wrapped  Him  in  fine  linen. 
In  the  place  where  He  was  crucified  was  a  garden. 
Wherein   was  a  sepulchre.     Therein  they   laid 

Him, 
And  rolled  a  stone  to  the  door. 


Early   in   the  morning,  on  the  first   day  of  the 
week, 

63 


Came  Mary  Magdalene  and  Salome  with  spices 

sweet, 
To  annoint  their  Master. 
But  beholding  the  stone  now  rolled  away, 
They  list  to  what  the  Archangel  doth  say, 
"He  is  risen!" 


''All  Hail :  ...  It  is  Jesus  whom  they  meet. 
On  His  way  to  Galilee.     Holding  Him  by  the 

feet. 
They  worship  Him. 

**  Be  not  afraid  !     Go  and  tell  my  brethren, 
That  I  go  before  them  into  Jerusalem, 
To  endue  them  with  power  from  on  high. " 
Fear  and  great  joy  over  each  one  came. 
And  they  hastened  the  glad  news  to  proclaim. 
Of  Christ's  resurrection. 


In  a  little  room  in  the  Holy  City, 

Eleven  Disciples  bound  in  love  and  pity, 

Were  assembled  together. 

When  converse  was  hushed  on  their  devout  lips, 

Jesus  came  and  stood  in  the  very  midst, 

Saying "  Peace  be  unto  you  ! 

Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach 

64 


The  Gospel  of  Salvation.     Let  the  story  reach 

To  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth." 

Then  He  breathed  on  them  and  they  received 

The  Holy  Spirit :     In  their  hearts  they  believed 

That  Jesus  Christ  was  the  Son  of  God. 

For  His  great  circle  of  Love  included 

The  farthest  soul.     No  one  is  excluded 

Who  believes  on  His  name. 

He  ascended  to  His  Father  and  our  Father, 

And  awaits  the  redeemed  ones  to  gather, 

To  their  eternal  Rest. 

Lo  !     The  Earth  shall  pass  with  the  sun, 

But  the  souls  of  women  and  men 

Shall  dwell  forever  in  the  Temple  of  the  Lamb. 

To  whom  be  glory,  dominion  and  power 

Forever  and  ever Hallelujah  !     Amen  ! 

Oh  Soul  wandering  still  on  Earth, 

Struggling  with  Sin  and  Care  ! 

Doth  it  breathe  to  thy  soul  a  message. 

Hath  it  left  a  melody  there  ? 

Doth  it  quicken  the  spirit  within  thee, 

That  a  life,  eternal  fair 

Where  neither  moth  nor  rust  doth  corrupt, 
Where  thieves  cannot  break  through  and  steal. 
Awaits  thee  there  ? 

65 


or  r^s:    ^ 


IB  27839 


